Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
DN, MW, RPJ, AMD,AHSThis morning from Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Yellow legged gull, 75 Pink Feet Geese, at least 4 Skylarks over, 1 Dunlin, Oystercatcher still present, Willow tit, groups of Redwings fly down East Bank. From WLC creek, 1 Coot, 1 Redkite, Siskins and Redpolls in the Alder trees.22/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post: 2 Shoveler and 13 Pochard at Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Ducks counted at Lane End whilst I was sheltering from the rain: 50 Wigeon (exact count), 33 Gadwall. 370 Teal. There were a few more Teal but they got flushed before I could finish. 5 Skylark over SW. From Sheepwash: A break in the weather allowed 4 Buzzards, 2 Red Kites, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk to come out. The latter flushing 25 Redwings on far side. A Common Sand again (maybe a different bird to last week). c25 Linnets. The gull roost held c10'000 birds. Adult Caspian. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. 4 Herring Gulls. 500 Common Gulls by 17.30hrs.20/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA reasonable morning given the conditions, the following all from Sheepwash hide: female Goldeneye (first of the autumn), Common Scoter off Fishtail, presumably the same as yesterday, 2 Dunlin, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Little and 3 Great Egrets, 21 Gadwall, 37 Wigeon, Peregrine, Rock Pipit and a late Wheatear (possibly Greenland?).20/10/2025
SJR, CA, MW, JBIn 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 50 Pink-footed Geese SW, 1,098 Woodpigeons S, 5 Stock and 4 Collared Doves, 16 Golden Plover, 4 Great Egret (3 NE, 1 S), 16 Skylarks, 483 Starling, 739 Redwing, 170 Fieldfare. One drake Common Scoter still off the east side, 30 Pochard, 4 Lapwing, 2 Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull.19/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonBest bird for me this morning was a calling Little Owl, my first there for donkey's years. 4 Common Scoter (2 drakes) were again off Fishtail Creek so perhaps part of yesterday's flock. An hour's vismig from Stones produced 265 Woodpigeons, 260 Starlings, 484 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare and 12 Chaffinch. 28 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at about 09:30. 2 Curlew and a Dunlin flew past Stones, a Ringed Plover was at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still. c600 Common Gulls departed early morning and 750 Jackdaws noisily left their roost. Female Pintail at Sheepwash.18/10/2025
Simon RoddisAnother 5 Common Scoter (1m, 4 female/juvs) this morning - it's been a good week for them. Female Pintail past Stones. A bit of movement included 68 Woodpigeons, 5 Stock Doves, 10 Skylarks, 31 Starling, 186 Redwing and 17 Fieldfare. Single Redshank and Dunlin, and 2 Snipe. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. c3,000 Black-headed Gulls first thing. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed, and Crossbill over. Male Stonechat in the overflow carpark. Chiffchaff and Blackcap still on Stones.17/10/2025
Simon RoddisLate afternoon visit: c5,000 Lesser Black-backs had come into the roost by 18:30. Shelduck still at Sheepwash, along with 2 Redshank, adult Caspian Gull, Herring Gull. Also 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and a Dunlin (per RJL). 46 Cormorants. 50 Starlings, presumably going to roost somewhere.16/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found this morning's star bird, a juvenile Gannet sitting out on the water, present to midday at least. 6 Common Scoters (an adult drake and 5 lovely barred juveniles) were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit flew over. A few birds moving, with totals of c650 Redwing in random directions, 80 Fieldfare, 180 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves, 13 Skylarks and 10 Swallows. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 adult Yellow-legs. Single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Drake Pintail off Lane End and at least 18 Pochard. Total of at least 90 Siskin.15/10/2025
Simon RoddisA flock of 22 Common Scoters (7 males, 15 females) was between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Total of 134 Redwing through. 9 Coot, more than double the number on the WeBS count on Sunday! 64 Wigeon, 200 Teal and a Dunlin in front of Lane End hide, plus the adult Caspian Gull snaffling multiple crayfish of the invasive Signal variety. At Hopton end first thing, the Cetti's Warbler (actually seen!) and 4 calling Tawny Owls. c60 Siskin in WLC creek.14/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post. 4 Little Egrets. 115 Greylags. 17 Wigeon. 6 Gadwall. 3 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover on the dam. 22 Skylarks SW including a flock of 16. c30 Linnets on stones island then presumably the same flock at Sheepwash. A few Redwing calling through the gloom at Millfields first thing and 10+ in Sheepwash woods. At Sheepwash: 2 Dunlin. A late Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 225 Common Gulls. The roost held in excess of 2'000+ each of both BHG and LBBG.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe first Fieldfare of the autumn was on Stones island this morning, and at least 2 more in WLC creek. At least 20 Redwing there too. At one point there were 5 species of thrush in one tree (sadly no Ring Ouzel). Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail still in Hopton reedbed. The Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 3 Little Egrets flew in and landed below the dam wall.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 195 Greylags, 3 Mute Swans, 9 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 162 Teal, 3 Pochard, 110 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 4(!) Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 38 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 31 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. (Compare those numbers with last month, the low water level clearly proved too much for a lot of birds.) Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. 50 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:18. 12+ Crossbills over Hall Wood. Seem to be more Blackbirds around, at least 10 on Stones.12/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Brambling was among the Linnets, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits on Watersports island this morning. c2,500 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and a flock of 21 Ravens flew E. The Great Egret, Oystercatcher, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still present. 2 redhead Goosander.11/10/2025
Dave Armitt5 Grey Heron, 19 Cormorant, 8 Pochard, 4 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 Raven, 2 Jay, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Goldfinch, 1 Great White Egret , 1 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite,4 Greylag10/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cetti's Warbler was still in Hopton reedbed this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:28. 3 Pintail still. 2 redhead Goosander. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs and 370 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Great Egret at sailing club. 2 Stonechats in Tail Bay. Totals of 7 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 30 Starling SW, 14 Bullfinch (8 at Penn Carr), 35 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin, 2 Crossbill.10/10/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. A Cetti's Warbler was singing in Hopton reedbed early on, with Water Rail also calling there and Crossbill and a redhead Goosander over. 2 Whooper Swans, the Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Pintail, adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret were on the shore off Lane End/Sheepwash. 48 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 08:30. The Oystercatcher was still at Watersports and 6 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Male Peregrine on his favourite pylon. 18 Skylarks included a flock of 13 S. Stonechat and Wheatear at the sailing club end of the dam wall.08/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit were still at Lane End this morning, and 4 Ringed Plover there and later at sailing club. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. 115 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 3 Pintail. 2 Pochard. 2 Great Egrets at Watersports, but only 1 Little Egret. Totals of 6 Collared Doves, 9 Skylarks, 6 Greenfinch, 20 Linnets, 16 Redpoll and 65 Siskin. Roger and Alison had 10 Whooper Swans fly SE early on.07/10/2025
Dave NewcombeA Marsh Harrier (looked like a juvenile) came over from the east and continued west with several Gulls giving it some attention. 4 Red Kites. One over hall wood, and another 3 first appeared over Millfields before slowly drifting north towards hopton end. Peregrine. Kestrel. 3 Buzzards and a female Sparrowhawk enjoying the warm autumn sunshine. The 6 Whooper Swans were still viewable from Sheepwash at 18.30. 13 Linnets on the dam wall.06/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover was still between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning, and the Little Stint at sailing club. 6 Whooper Swans arrived mid-morning (apparently as a 4 and a 2). Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. A bit of movement included (mostly in an hour on Hays Lane) 55 Chaffinch, 12 Crossbills, 7 Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 41 Meadow Pipits, 12 Skylarks, 13 Woodpigeon and 7 Stock Dove. 3 Pintail. Total of 10 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover and the Black-tailed Godwit also reportedly still here. At Hopton end first thing, 2 calling Tawny Owls and Water Rail.06/10/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Great Egret, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Kestrel, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coot05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Grey Plover (found by Richard L at Sheepwash yesterday) was at Lane End this morning and the Little Stint again at sailing club. Other waders were single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper (again at WLC), 4 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plovers. 68 Wigeon. 5 Pintail. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. Wheatear below the dam wall (sailing club end, found by Mike R).05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Little Stint was again at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning, along with the 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. Oystercatcher still at Watersports and Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End. Rock Pipit(s?) flew over Stones island and the dam wall. Juvenile Common Tern and Great Egret still. c100 Common Gulls off Sheepwash first thing. 70 Meadow Pipits, 80 Goldfinch and 2 Snipe at WLC. 40 Siskins over the main carpark.03/10/2025
Simon RoddisA juvenile Little Stint was at sailing club this morning; it later flew towards Millfields with 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. A Green Sandpiper was at the WLC and the Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End. Nice juvenile-type Wheatear on the dam wall. Great Egret, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls all still present.02/10/2025
Simon RoddisSeveral late/long-stayers were still around this morning: Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern. Finally caught up with 2 Stonechats from Sheepwash hide. At Lane End, 450 Teal, 3 Pintail and 21 Wigeon.01/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Rock Pipit flew S over Stones causeway at 09:55, typical autumn date. Off Stones island first thing, 2,000 Black-headed and 75 Common Gulls. Just 2 Pintail this morning, and 35 Wigeon. Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Common Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. 12 Skylarks over. c60 Linnets at sailing club and 10 Redpoll in WLC creek.30/09/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's earlier post. No sign of the recent Cattle Egret in its usual spots, despite several observers on site. 8 Grey Herons. 16 Pintail. 5 at Lane End + the 11 Simon found earlier. 3 Shoveler. Just 3 Lapwings. Peregrine and Red Kite at Sheepwash. A single Snipe there was hunkered down and seemingly invisible to the above Peregrine c20 yards away. The Snipe then took off and the Peregrine gave chase. Outcome unknown. 4 Stonechats at Sheepwash around the large boulders. Still 5 Chiffchaff including one in song. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. The gull roost held 4'500 possibly 5'000 LBB Gulls. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 adult YLGulls. I was counting Common Gulls on the point to the right of Sheepwash. I got to 66 when they all took off. Numbers probably exceeded over 100. Not many BHGulls in.29/09/2025
Simon RoddisBird of the morning was a juvenile Black Tern which Dave Newcombe found off Millfields, still there to 09:00 at least. Juvenile Common Tern still too. 2 Redwing, Water Rail and Crossbill at Hopton reedbed early morning. 11 Pintail off Stones and 42 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit again between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 6 Ringed, juvenile Little Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Great Egret still. 14 Common Gulls. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 18+ Skylarks over, including a flock of 12 S. Wheatear on the dam wall. 8+ Redpoll.29/09/2025
Dave ArmittEarly afternoon visit 20 Meadow Pipit,8 little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron,1 Great White Egret, 50 Pied Wagtail, 1 Cattle Egret between sailing club and visitor centre catching insects, 3 Dunlin, 3 LRP, 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Garganey Wildlife Centre bay amongst the Mallards28/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was still around Watersports this morning, plus a Great and 6 Little Egrets elsewhere around the res. The first Redwing of the autumn, plus 4 Crossbills, 4 Skylarks and a redhead Goosander, flew over Stones island. 7 Ringed Plover, juvenile Little Ringed and a Dunlin at sailing club and the Oystercatcher still at Watersports. c1,000 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning, 200 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall and a total of 30+ Siskins.27/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Cattle Egret still present, 3 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 10.20 hrs, 9 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin at Sailing Club.25/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Little Stint was still present this morning, initially at Millfields then flying to sailing club. The Cattle Egret was again around Watersports and adult Caspian Gull on the shore at Lane End. 3 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plovers. Single Oystercatcher and Common Tern still. Tawny Owl and Kingfisher at Millfields first thing. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Wheatear on the dam wall. Total of at least 100 Meadow Pipits. Redpolls over Stones and WLC creek.22/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were at Watersports again early morning. At Millfields, 14 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin, Great Egret and Yellow Wagtail. Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. At Sheepwash, single Red-crested Pochard and Pintail, 35 Wigeon, 25 Pochard and adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls.20/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were still at Watersports this morning (and presumably the same Oystercatcher later at Millfields with 4 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover, per CA). Less movement than I'd have expected: 30 Swallows, 16 House Martins, 63 Meadow Pipits, 20 Linnet, 48 Siskin and a Redpoll. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.19/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was again at Watersports early this morning. Vismig 0630-0900: 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 133 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 217 Meadow Pipits, 5 Chaffinch and 16 Siskin, all S or SW. 6 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash. 15 Ringed Plovers at Millfields.18/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was feeding on Watersports island early afternoon. 5 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, single Common and Herring Gulls and 3 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. 7 Ringed Plovers at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wagtails (Sheepwash and Millfields).17/09/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: 5,250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost. 37 Barnacle Geese at Sheepwash (the feral flock returns!). Hobby over sailing club at dusk. 1 Ruff. 100 Swallows. The Cattle Egret reportedly still present.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Cattle Egret was at sailing club late morning, feeding well. Looked much happier than it did yesterday! A mobile female Common Scoter landed in front of Sheepwash early morning but flew to Fishtail and then towards the dam wall. 105 Greylags, 6 Pintail still and one female Red-crested Pochard. 1 Curlew flew N. Adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. Yellow Wagtail at sailing club.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisA site record 970 Teal this morning, over 900 of them at Millfields alone. Other duck included 7 Pintail, at least 18 Shoveler and 26 Wigeon, and a female Red-crested Pochard. 10 redhead Goosander flew up the res early morning. 76 Greylags. 18 Ringed Plovers (most of them juvs) at Millfields late morning. The juvenile Oystercatcher still, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull still. 50+ House Martins flew through. 70+ Meadow Pipits. First Redpoll of the autumn over Sheepwash. Clive had a Whinchat at sailing club mid-morning until it was flushed.14/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 17.20 hours for 10 minutes before flying off towards the dam.12/09/2025
Simon RoddisAround 700 Teal were at Millfields this morning, plus the 6 Pintail and 11 Ringed Plovers. Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff and 2 Common Sandpipers. 2 juvenile Common Terns still. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. A bit of movement, with a total of 68 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Siskin, 4 Linnet and 3 Crossbills.13/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonNo sign of the ibises or yesterday's Manx Shearwater this morning. 33 Shoveler, 31 Wigeon and 3 Pintail at Sheepwash. Total of 6 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. 2 juvenile Common Terns. Great Egret still. Pair of Peregrines playing with a Buzzard. 2 Willow Tits on Stones. Female/juv Wheatear at sailing club.12/09/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownManx Shearwater found on water at Sheepwash c17.50hrs. It was drifting and doing some flapping but was still present from Sheepwash car park c19.15 per Clive Ashton.11/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still in front of Sheepwash hide this morning. 6 Pintail. 1 Red-crested Pochard. Single Ringed plover and Ruff. 3 probable Black-tailed Godwits briefly over Stones. Great Egret on Horseshoe island. Adult and juvenile Common Terns and 2 juvenile Arctics.10/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still at Sheepwash this evening. 21 Wigeon. Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit from Sheepwash hide. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost by 8pm. Adult Caspian, 5 Yellow-legged, 2 Common and 500 Black-headed Gulls.09/09/2025
Simon RoddisCarsi joined in the Glossy Ibis fun this morning, with 2 from Sheepwash hide, looking fairly settled to 11:00 at least. Earlier on, 507 Pied (site record) and 1 Yellow Wagtail left their roost on Watersports island. Supporting cast of 3 Shelduck, 4 Pintail, 7 Wigeon, 2+ Red-crested Pochard, 8 Lapwing and 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Redshank at sailing club and Greenshank over WLC creek, 2 Common Terns and 23 Little Egrets.08/09/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird walk for beginners. House sparrow, great egret, little egret, cormorant, mute swan, Canada goose, great crested grebe, black-headed gull, pied wagtail, carrion crow, buzzard, lesser black-backed gull, red kite, chiffchaff, goldfinch , swallow, oystercatcher, common gull, greylag goose, blue tit, great tit, coot, moorhen, woodpigeon, gadwall, greenfinch, long-tailed tit, robin, little grebe, mallard, tufted duck07/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 87 Canada, 89 Greylags, 21 Mute Swan plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 380 Mallard, 518 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 84 Common Pochard, 236 Tufted, 1,343 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 29 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 5 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Terns, 64 Cormorants, 21 Little and 1 Great Egret, 10 Herons. 7 Curlew flew W.07/09/2025
Richard LoweOf special note from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Garganey (1) with Teal just off the shoreline in front of the hide; Pintail (2); YLGull (4) ads; GBBGull (1) ad; Common Gull (1) ad;06/09/2025
Simon RoddisA steady morning, but nothing exceptional. Wildfowl included 760 Canadas, 59 Greylags, 22 Mute Swans plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 380 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard and 34 Common Pochard. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher on the dam wall and Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. Total of 9 Jays. At least 60 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Yellow Wagtail over Millfields. Totals of c35 Siskin and 200 Goldfinch.06/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe ringed Osprey was around again this morning, seen by Clive early on at Sheepwash and presumably the same bird later flying down the reservoir. At least 2 Pintail still, the juvenile Shelduck, 4 Red-crested Pochard and 400+ Teal at Millfields. Waders included 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Ruff and 2 Greenshank. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 22 Little Egrets. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Hirundines included a minimum of 85 Swallows and 100 House Martins. Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over and 18 Meadow Pipits heading south.05/09/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2019-12-20The 2 GNDivers still, the adult at Millfields and the juv off Stones island early morning. 33 Wigeon. 59 Teal. c200 Pochard. c300 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 1 Ruff around Horseshoe island. Female Kingfisher at Sheepwash. The Cetti's Warbler called once from WLC reedbed mid-morning.31 Goldfinch in WLC creek. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-12-18An afternoon visit seemed sensible today, giving this morning's fog. The 2 GNDivers are still there, the adult showed really well off Stones early afternoon, and both visible from Sheepwash late afternoon. 162 Canada Geese. 27 Cormorants at roost at Sheepwash. 3 Woodcock at the Hopton end at dusk. 1,777 Common Gulls counted coming in to roost. Adult Peregrine on the Shiningford pylons. 10 Fieldfare at Sheepwash late afternoon.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-12-17Both GNDivers again present this morning; the juv was right up at Sheepwash around 12:30, the furthest north I've seen it. 133 Canadas. 2 Barnacle. Female Pintail at WLC. 57 Teal. 196 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye. 450 Lapwing. 1st-w Yellow-legged Gull at Watersports. Tawny Owl (a rather grey one) being mobbed by small stuff on Stones island. 4 GSWoodpecker. 6 Willow Tit. Total of 11 Greenfinch, including 7 on Stones. 1 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. Total of 35 Siskin, including 24 at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2019-12-16As well as the juvenile GNDiver off Stones island, an adult was off Millfields from late morning. It remains to be seen if this is the returning adult and stays for the winter - if so, it's a bit later than usual but not the latest it has arrived. 112 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 6 Shoveler (4m,2f; 1m at Sheepwash, the other 5 at WLC). 35 Wigeon. 239 Pochard. 2 Heron. 23 Cormorant. 670 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Herring Gull and the near-adult Yellow-leg. 2 Kingfishers at Sheepwash. 82 Rooks over/from Stones island mid-morning. 6 Willow Tit. 12 Tree Sparrow (8 WLC, 4 Millfields).Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-12-15Monthly WeBS count: 101 Canada Geese, 1 Pink-foot, 2 Mute Swans, 31 Gadwall, 21 Wigeon, 100 Mallard, 48 Teal, 207 Pochard, 163 Tufted, 15 Goldeneye, 1 GNDiver, 24 Little Grebe, 43 GCGrebe, 15 Cormorant, 1 Water Rail, 6 Moorhen, 623 Coot, 206 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 3 Redshank. Chiffchaff still on Stones island.John Bradley, Roger Carrington
2019-12-11The GNDiver was off Stones/Watersports islands at 08:00. 106 Canada Geese. 13 Greylags. 287 Pochard. 11 Goldeneye. 226 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 49 Rooks E over Hall Wood late morning. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Simon Roddis
2019-12-10The juv GNDiver was in Sailing Club bay this morning. 3 Shelduck at Watersports and a Chiffchaff on Stones island. 280 Pochard. 3 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 7 Willow Tit.Simon Roddis
2019-12-09Tawny Owl, sitting on Gibfield Lane near Turlowfields Lane. Drove right up to it before it flew into nearby trees.Wayne Dixon
2019-12-09The juv GNDiver off Stones around 08:30-09:00. 18 Pink-footed Geese flew SE and 30 Golden Plover SW at 09:00. 2 GBbG. 209 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 32 Woodpigeon N. 5 Stock Dove. 5 Willow Tit. Two micro-site ticks (if there is such a thing?): 2 Mistle Thrushes actually on Millfields island, and a Goldcrest inside Sheepwash Hide and duly released.Simon Roddis
2019-12-0882 Pochard,4 Wigeon,5 Robin,19 Canada goose,4 Great Crested Grebe,2 Mute Swan,5 Teal,2 Little Grebe,70 Tufted Duck,1 Tree Creeper,12 Blue Tit,6 Redwing,1 Willow Tit,1 Coal tit,10 Great Tit,2 CormorantDavid Armitt
2019-12-0880 Canada Goose,12 Gadwall,50 Tufted Duck,9 Teal,3 Cormorant,4 Great Crested Grebe.6 Wigeon,300 lapwing,2 Redshank,75 Pochard,1 Coal Tit,6 Goldfinch,1 Willow Tit,6 Blue Tit,1 Wren,3 Robin,1 cettis(WLC),2 Great tit,1 Redwing,1 BuzzardDavid Armitt
2019-12-07The juv GNDiver was off the south end of Stones island mid-morning and a Jack Snipe was among 40 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. The Cetti's Warbler called a couple of times from WLC reedbed. 429 Pochard, with 200+ from both WLC and Sheepwash hide. 172 Canadas. 26 Gadwall. Female Pintail at WLC. 10 Goldeneye. 2f Goosander at Millfields early morning. 3 Grey Heron. 15 Cormorant. 315 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. c11,000 BhGs and 500 LBbG from Millfields early morning. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 14 Magpies at the Millfields carpark feeders early morning. Simon Roddis
2019-12-06Total of 393 Pochard, almost 300 of them at the WLC. 2f Pintail there too. 150 Canada and 2 Barnacle Geese. 310 Lapwing. 21 Snipe and a Redshank on Horseshoe island. 4 ad Herring Gull and the near-ad Yellow-leg. 2 Collared Dove at Sheepwash feeder. Chiffchaff at WLC. 20 Siskin at Millfields. Couldn't find the elusive diver.Simon Roddis
2019-12-03At Hopton end early morning, 4, maybe 5 Woodcock flew in, the last one not until 07:30 by when it was relatively light and the bird seemed a bit put off by the traffic on the road; 5 Tawny Owls and a Water Rail calling (plus another in Brown Ale Bay); c10 Reed Buntings calling in the reedbed. 2 Ruddy Shelduck flew N off Brown Ale Bay at 12:50. 210 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 97 Wigeon in total. M and f Pintail at WLC. 274 Pochard. 10 Goldeneye. 3 Goosander. 180 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Single adult GBb, Herring and Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher and Chiffchaff at WLC. 7 Goldcrest. c100 Starling in WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2019-12-02The juv GNDiver was patrolling its usual beat off Stones island this morning. 9 Whooper Swans flew in and landed at 09:45. The Cetti's Warbler called briefly in WLC creek late morning. 220 Pochard from WLC. 23 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 4 Herring Gull. The near-ad Yellow-leg still. 120 Woodpigeon, including 90 N.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-12-019am-noon (Sheepwash to Stones): Robin, Pheasant, Dunnock, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Goldfinch, Redwing, Starling (150 in three small flocks in fields), Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Pochard (c60 from Lane End hide), Coot, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Wren, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Lapwing (flock of 25), Jackdaw, Willow Tit, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Cormorant, Kestrel, Song Thrush, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Snipe, Great Crested Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Chaffinch, Redshank, Common Gull, Great Northern Diver, Meadow Pipit, Moorhen Gary Atkins
2019-12-01The juv GNDiver again off Stones island, and the Cetti's Warbler calling occasionally in the small reedbed on the other side of WLC creek from the centre itself. 110 Pink-footed Geese SW at 10:15. 205 Canadas. 2 Barnacle Geese. 24 Gadwall. 7 Goldeneye. In Brown Ale Bay, male Shoveler, Water Rail and Kingfisher. 16 Snipe and 2 (maybe 3) Redshank on Horseshoe island. 1 ad Herring Gull through. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. 84 Woodpigeons N. 4 Raven. 9 Meadow Pipit. 1 Linnet over WLC creek, a Lesser Redpoll over Stones and 16 Siskin at Millfields. 74 species - not a bad start to the month!Simon Roddis
2019-11-30Decent visibility until the fog rolled in around 09:00. Woodcock, Water Rail, 2 Grey Wagtail and male Goosander over the Hopton end early morning. 7 Goldeneye. 150 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull. c100 Starling in WLC creek. 100+ Goldfinch (c80 in WLC creek, 21 N at Hopton end). Failed to see the diver before the murk descended.Simon Roddis
2019-11-29The juv GNDiver was off Stones island around midday. 110 Pink-footed Geese flew SE at 10:00. 26 Greylag at Sheepwash. 20 Cormorant. 170 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. 9 Snipe. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (near-ad and 2w again). 2 ad GBBGull. 495 Woodpigeon, including 420 N. 4 Raven (2 pairs). Chiffchaff again on Stones island. 15 Fieldfare and 459 Redwing N. 60 House Sparrows at the main centre. 10 Meadow Pipit on Stones. Total of 6 Greenfinch. 12 Lesser Redpoll at Hopton end. Simon Roddis
2019-11-28The juv GNDiver was close in off Watersports and Stones islands early morning. The Cetti's Warbler again, around the damp patch half way up WLC creek. 2 Barnacle Geese and a redhead Goosander at Millfields. 18 Cormorant. 150 Lapwing. 13 Snipe on Horseshoe island. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. 40 Rooks N over Stones. 330 Starling, including 300 SW at Millfields early morning.Simon Roddis
2019-11-27The juv GNDiver was again off Stones/Sailing Club islands early morning. 152 Canada Geese. 16 Gadwall. 240 Lapwing, 1 Redshank and 8 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (near-ad and 2nd-winter). 3 Kestrel. 6 Goldcrest, including 5 on Stones. 130 Redwing (100 at Sheepwash, 30 in WLC creek). 5 Meadow Pipit.Simon Roddis
2019-11-26Roger saw the juv GNDiver off Stones island early morning but it then played hard to get (for me, anyway) until 11:00 when it popped its head up again. A Chiffchaff along Stones causeway. 6 Goldeneye. 6 Goosander (3m,3f) at Millfields early morning. 120 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Raven feeding on a dead fish on Horseshoe island near the WLC. 1 Skylark over Stones. 26 Long-tailed Tit (12 at Millfields, 14 on Stones). 190 Redwing (50 NE over Millfields, 140 in WLC creek). Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-11-25The juv GNDiver was off Stones island early morning. 170 Canada Geese. 195 Lapwing. 1 Peregrine over Horseshoe island. c100 Redwing in WLC creek and 120 Fieldfare N overhead. 18 Bullfinch, including 16 at Millfields. Total of 90 Goldfinch (60 WLC, 20 main carpark, 10 Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-11-23Afternoon visit, at least the rain almost stopped but still very grey. The Cetti's Warbler called in WLC reedbed at 12:35. 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull again. 600 Common Gull and 150 Pochard from Sheepwash late afternoon. 11 Greenfinch S over Sheepwash carpark, including a flock of 9. 30 Rooks S over Stones island. 40 Goldfinch at WLC. At Hopton reedbed late on, a Kingfisher caught two small fish in successive dives, at least one Water Rail and a Woodcock.Simon Roddis
2019-11-22The juv GNDiver was off Watersports mid-morning and later off Millfields. 2 Barnacle Geese flew in with a skein of Canadas. 6+ Goldeneye. A Water Rail 'chipping' near the gate overlooking Brown Ale Bay but refused to show itself. Near-adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 7 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 30 Rooks over WLC. 6 Goldcrests on Stones island. 20 Fieldfare and c100 Redwing in/over WLC creek. 2 Lesser Redpoll over Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-11-21A bit of NE movement over the Hopton end early morning: 2,480 Redwing (+ 100 in WLC creek), 190 Fieldfare, 88 Goldfinch (+ 50 at WLC, 15 at Millfields), 75 Starling (+ 15 at WLC), 16 Chaffinch and 3 Greenfinch (+ 5 at WLC). The juv GNDiver was between Stones island and the WLC mid-morning. 138 Canada Geese. 6 Pink-feet S. 1 redhead Goosander N. 25 Pheasants and 1 Woodcock at Hopton end and a Water Rail in the reedbed. Near-adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones causeway, perhaps the bird which has been around for much of the last couple of years, though if so its bill has turned black again! Mistle Thrush singing at Hopton end. Simon Roddis
2019-11-20The juv GNDiver off Stones island again. A Yellowhammer over Stones causeway at 08:10 was the first of the year. 4 Ruff at WLC mid-morning raise the question of whether these are some of the same birds that have have spent the last 2 winters here. 1 Redshank and 230 Lapwing there too. 58 Wigeon off Brown Ale Bay. The big Pochard flock has decamped from the WLC area, with 220 now from Sheepwash. 7 Buzzard. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 70 Fieldfare N. Total of 475 Redwing, of which 425 flew N. 4 Lesser Redpoll on Stones and 60 Goldfinch between WLC and Shiningford. Simon Roddis
2019-11-19The juv GNDiver again off Stones island. The Cetti's Warbler is still at WLC reedbed though it's playing hard to get, just the occasional call. 4 Redshank were a minor surprise, first here for a month or so. 1 sub-ad Herring Gull. Pair of Kestrel at Millfields. 20 Fieldfare and 75 Redwing N. Total of 20 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2019-11-18The juv GNDiver still off Stones island. 2 female Common Scoter mid-res. 100 Pink-footed Geese SE at 0910. 2 Barnacle Geese among Canadas at Millfields. c250 Lapwing. 130 Woodpigeons N. Juv Peregrine. 15 Skylarks (14 NW, 1 SW). 270 Starlings SW. 35 Fieldfare N. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-11-17Monthly WeBS count: 37 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Shoveler, 22 Gadwall, 108 Mallard, 78 Teal, 24 Wigeon, 314 Pochard, 159 Tufted Duck, 15 Goldeneye, 21 Little Grebe, 45 GCGrebe, 1 GNDiver, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 18 Cormorant, 2 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay), 8 Moorhen, 647 Coot, 140 Lapwing, 3 Kingfisher. Also: the Cetti's Warbler still at WLC reedbed (per Roger C), 139 Pink-feet E and 25 Skylark NW over Stones island, Brambling at Millfields, 60 Woodpigeon N, 15 Siskin at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-11-16A pretty good morning, with two new birds for the year: a juvenile Scaup between Sheepwash and Lane End, and a Cetti's Warbler (second record) on the edge of WLC reedbed, calling and seen. The juv GNDiver still off Stones island. 90 Canada Geese. 50 Pink-footed geese flew S at 11:00. 27 Wigeon. Female Pintail at WLC. c300 Pochard again. At least 8, possibly 11, Goldeneye. 5 Goosander at Millfields. c350 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 25 Snipe flushed from Horseshoe island. 14 Long-tailed Tits on Stones. c100 Redwing. 10 Meadow Pipit (8 at Sheepwash). 1 Brambling SW ove WLC creek. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-11-15299 Pochard. 6 Goldeneye. c300 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 7 Collared Dove (6 at ranger base, 1 at Sheepwash). 10 Fieldfare at top of WLC creek. Total of c100 Redwing. 17 Tree Sparrows at WLC (and Alan S had 4 on the PS hide feeder). 40 Goldfinch (30 at WLC, 10 on Stones island). Didn't see the diver, doesn't mean it isn't still there...Simon Roddis
2019-11-13The juv GNDiver was off Stones island this morning. 3 Whooper Swans flew N at 0900, followed closely by 89 Pink-footed Geese NE. 300+ Pochard (290 at WLC). 4+ Goldeneye. Water Rail in Brown Ale Bay. 220 Lapwing. 50 Rooks and 10 Skylarks over. 2 Lesser Redpoll (WLC and BA Bay).Simon Roddis
2019-11-12The juv GNDiver was just off Millfields carpark early afternoon, and the 2 drake Red-crested Pochard by Millfields island (later flew past Stones island towards the WLC). 4 Goldeneye (2m,2f). 29 Pheasants in the gorse field above Hall Wood (wild-bred birds, obviously). 3+ Sparrowhawks, including a displaying female. 220 Lapwing. 2+ adult Yellow-legged Gull. 16 Blue Tits on the Millfields feeders. 30 Goldfinch at WLC. At Hopton end late afternoon, 55 Redwing, 21 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Water Rails calling in the reedbed and 3 Woodcock.Simon Roddis
2019-11-12Osmaston. Eight red kites. Around 2pm.Catherine Moore
2019-11-1162 Wigeon. 2 drake Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash mid-morning. 3 Goldeneye. 190 Lapwing. 60 Snipe flushed from Horseshoe island, perhaps by the Peregrine that was flying around later. Failed again to find the diver 🙁Simon Roddis
2019-11-10At Hopton end first thing, 6 Tawny Owls calling and 1+ Woodcock. 193 Pochard. 110 Canadas. 139 Lapwing. Female Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 100 Woodpigeons S. Totals of 140 Starling and 70 Redwing. 25 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-11-09Afternoon visit: c200 Lapwing on Horseshoe island; 932 Common, 2 Herring and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls from Sheepwash hide at 16:00; total of 30 WigeonSimon Roddis
2019-11-06This morning on a short walk from Millfields along the east bank,150 Pink feet geese heading east at8:35,Blackbirds and Redwing were plentiful in the berry bearing bushes with lesser numbers of Song and Mistle thrush,and about 50 Fieldfare, Male and female Goldeneye were also seen. Alan Stewardson
2019-11-05Great northern diver still present off Stones island, 30 Common snipe on Horse shoe island, 110 Pink feet geese heading SE at 10:12 am, 3 female Goldeneye from Sheepwash hide plus a Grey wagtail and fox.AHS,RC.
2019-11-04Great northern diver is still present off Stones island, 1 Redshank,2 Ravens, 12 Collard doves in trees near ranger base, many Redwings and Blackbirds in the fields behind WLC.Alan Stewardson
2019-11-03Species seen today 9am-noon (mostly during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk from Sheepwash): Goldfinch, Robin, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Gt Crested Grebe, Bullfinch, Canada Goose, Lapwing, Magpie, Little Grebe, Pochard, Wren, Mute Swan, Mallard, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Gt Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Cormorant, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Goldeneye, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Common Gull, Wigeon, Kingfisher, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Teal, Dunnock, Grey HeronGary Atkins
2019-11-02This morning from Stones island, the weather started cloudy but with good visibility and then deteriorated to rain by 9:30.1 Redshank,a juvenile Great northern diver was found by MR near the WLC,2 kingfishers in front of Sheepwash hide,4 Goldeneye and a Yellow legged gull also from this hide. AHS,RC.
2019-10-29This morning from Millfieids, cold north wind but plenty of birds on the move,3 skanes of Pink feet geese heading North West total 230,30 plus Skylarks flying as a single flock low over the water, many Wood pidgeons moving South, I counted 89 Redwing but there were many more,a Bramberling called whilst I was in the carpark, 64 Fieldfare along the East bank and 1 female type Goldeneye.Alan Stewardson
2019-10-29From 08-30 this morning, cold windy but lovely sun nothing exciting from WLC and Sheepwash :- Redshank, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Mallard, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Great Black Backed Gull, Blackhead Gull, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Wigeon, Teal, Snipe, Magpie, Blackbird, Tree Sparrow, Great Tit, BlueTit, Longtailed Tit, Wren, Wood Pigeon,Dave Horsley
2019-10-26If you haven't noticed its been raining heavily all morning so these observations are from the shelter of Sheepwash Hide, Kingfisher seen several times,Common Snipe in the softbrush, Redshank feeding in the bay, one Grey Wagtail and a pair of Shoveller.A H Stewardson
2019-10-24Continuing to be very miserable this morning walk from Hopton end to Sheepwash revealed:- two pairs of Shoveler, female Goldeneye, Kingfisher, Gagwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot, Cormorant, Black Head Gull, Lapwing, Wren, Blackbird, Bluetit, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe.Dave Horsley
2019-10-23Very foggy this morning at Stones island with appalling visibility but I could just see 5 Shoveller the Slavonian grebe,the usual flock of Long-tailed tits and numerous Blackbirds in the berry bearing bushes. Alan Stewardson
2019-10-21This morning from Millfieids RC had 3 Whooper swans at 7:45,a Manx Shearwater was first seen at 8:30 and was present all morning, 17 Whooper Swans flew NE at 9:10 followed by 20 more Whooper swans at 9:15,RC saw 52 Pink feet geese heading SE,Slavonian still present off Stones island, 50 Redwing heading south and 9 Tree sparrows at Millfieids. AHS,RC.
2019-10-19This morning from Stones island, Slavonian grebe still present and showing well from Stones island, 2 Great Spotted woodpeckers, 1 Golden plover overhead, Blackbirds still abundant as are the Long tailed tits.A H Stewardson

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